Bucksburn residents have hit out after being displaced from their home for nearly a year, with a flock of pigeons preventing them from returning.
Chris and Vicky Innes and neighbours Myra and Bryan Milne have been living in temporary accommodation since last February, after a fire caused devastating damage at Watchman Brae.
More than 40 firefighters tackled the blaze, which took place at a house between the Milnes and Innes’ properties.
At the height of the blaze, a total of 66 homes in the area were left without power after the fire caused a fuse in the local substation to explode.
The couples cannot return to their homes until the house where the fire began is made watertight.
However, it is not clear when that will be done, due to ongoing issues involving the owners of number 14, Aberdeen City Council and insurance firms.
In addition, due to a gaping hole in the house, pigeons have infested the building which is hampering repair efforts.
Chris Innes, 43, said: “In order to get our house fixed we need the house where the fire started to be repaired so it will not cause any issue.
“We have tried contacting the homeowners many times but have had no luck.
“We’ve also tried reaching out to the council but we keep hitting walls.
“It feels like we are never going to get our family home back.”
Mrs Innes, who has one eight-year-old and is expecting a second child, added: “We’re just desperate to move back.
“It’s been long enough and they just keep pushing back the dates.”
A council spokeswoman said: “The property has been inspected by building standards staff and found that it does not present a risk to the public.
“To assist the neighbours the council sought permission from the owner to allow the insurer of the neighbouring properties to carry out necessary repairs.
“Any further action sits with the insurers.”
